Matheson, D-Utah, introduced a bill on his way out of town Friday with five colleagues that calls for a comprehensive approach to addressing energy concerns. "I think everything needs to be on the table," from oil shale to nuclear to coal and more, he said.

"In September, Congress will have to do something. I think we need to take a comprehensive approach. There is no one simple silver bullet to solve this," he said. He earlier introduced a bill also to regulate oil speculators who try to evade U.S. oversight by dealing U.S. oil in foreign exchanges.

Matheson said that with the exception of concern with terrorism after the Sept. 11, 2001 bombings, he has never seen an issue that brings as much concern with so many people in his district. "That's because everyone drives down street and sees gasoline at more than $4 a gallon, so they all get frustrated — like I do."

As a sign that the non-progress on oil prices will be used for campaign purposes, the National Republican Congressional Committee issued a press release attacking Matheson on Friday for being a "lapdog to Democrat Party leaders" in energy votes against considering GOP plans.

"Jim Matheson should go to work in the construction industry, since he would obviously make a much better road block than representative for the people of Utah," said NRCC spokesman Ken Spain. Matheson dismissed it as election-year theatrics, saying, "My constituents know that I look for practical solutions to these problems."

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, also has been critical of Democrats. In a recent e-mailed newsletter to Davis County Republicans, he said, "Since June the Democrat leaders have cancelled sessions, stopped work on pretty much all the appropriations bills and only allowed floor votes on bills where there is a limit on amendments and non can be about energy bills."

Some of the other interesting gamesmanship in recent days included:

— When the House adjourned Friday and the C-SPAN cameras were turned off, some Republicans remained on the floor to bash Democrats anyway. "Where, oh were, has Congress gone?" asked Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas. He and some other Republicans called for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to bring the House back to address energy issues.

—The Republican Study Committee called on President Bush Friday to call Congress back into session from its recess to address gas prices. "We urge you to immediately bring the Congress back into session to do its job and give the bipartisan, pro-drilling majority a vote," its letter said.

— On Thursday before adjournment, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid asked for unanimous consent to a variety of bills that Republicans had blocked (to draw attention to those roadblocks), including bills to strip oil companies of unused lease, extending tax credits for developing alternative energy and subject the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to U.S. antitrust laws. Republicans were forced to formally object to each.

In return, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell asked for consent on GOP proposals on offshore drilling, nuclear energy and "clean coal" technology, and Democrats formally objected. McConnell offered to make offshore drilling allowed only if gasoline reached $4.50 a gallon, then $5 a gallon, then $7.50 and finally $10 a gallon, with Democrats objecting each time. He said that shows Democrats object to drilling there "even if gasoline reaches $10 a gallon."

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E-mail: lee@desnews.com